THOMPSON: I’m Dr. Thompson, with the Berkshires Medical Center. How many shots did you hear?
CROSS: Multiple shots.
THOMPSON: What is your name, sir?
CROSS: Alex Cross.
THOMPSON: Are you having trouble breathing? Experiencing any pain?
CROSS: Pain in my abdomen. Feel liquid sloshing around. Shortness of breath.
THOMPSON: You know that you were shot?
CROSS: Yes. Twice. Is he dead? The Butcher? Michael Sullivan?
THOMPSON: I don’t know. Several men are dead. Okay, guys, give me a nonrebreather mask. Two wide-base IV lines, stat. Two liters IV saline solution. Now! We’re going to try to move you, get you to a hospital immediately, Mr. Cross. Just hold on. Can you still hear me? Are you with me?
CROSS: My kids . . . tell them I love them.
Copyright © 2006 by James Patterson
